Is the automatic gear lever suppose to move around when the car goes over a continuous series of bumps on the road? My 06 g35x with only 3000 miles does this all the time as if the lever is connected directly to the transmission. Usually all the time in city driving. These are not large bumps or potholes just uneven patches, ripples, or street car tracks on the pavement. I'm wondering if this is normal on the g35 sedan autos. This was never the case in my fx45 or other cars with automatics that I have owned. Any insight is greatly appreciated. Thanks.

 

I've noticed this too and I can't figure it out because the the lever is not directly connected to the tranny like a manual is.

 

I have no clue what you guys are talking about, never happens to me. Is it in manumatic when it does this? First time I hear about it.

 

I thought so, I'v held the shift lever while going over the bump it certainly feels like it is connected to the transmission.

This conditions exists in both auto or manumatic. The lever moves around as per my above description.

 

I haven't felt anything like that in my '05 whether in drive or manual mode.
No movement at all of the shifter relative to the console, no vibration, nothing.
I know I would notice it - my hand rests on the shifter half the time while I'm driving.

 

+1 I've noticed the jiggle on my '03

 

Next time you do over a severely rutted surface at slow speed (sub 20mph) that pushes the suspension/chassis to the limits, you'll feel the shifter going up and down about 1/8-1/4". That's the only time I ever notice it and a 05 loaner did the same thing.

 

I normally rest my hand on the lever until I got this car. It moves around up and down and side to side 1/2" to 3/4" at most. Especially as per DaveB's description, slower speeds taxing the suspension and chassis torsionally.

 

I'll be focussing my razor sharp powers of observation on it now. Probably rear end some old lady while fondling and staring at my shifter.

I'll climb a few speed bumps on the way home and let you know.

 

You won't have to. Mine took me by surprise..moved quite a bit.

 

I took particular note last night and this morning. Nuthin'.

 

Same here, but doesn't seem as bad as you guys. But uneven pavement will cause vibrations/slight movement which feels like the stick is connected to the tranny.

I have an 03.

 

Last night, out of curiosity, I popped the center console and inspected the lever device housing. Sure enough, it is connected directly to the tranmission housing. There's a ton of NVH material, but you can see that it is connected to the transmission.

Mine rarely moves around except under the most severe situations. Those that aren't reporting movement most likely have newer cars. As the rubber transmission mounts and rear differential mounts start to wear, I'm sure these cars will experience the same thing. It's nothing to be worried about. You'd know it if a mount was broken because you'd get major thumps and NVH.

 

I have noticed the same thing. Got me scared there for a second but I guess it's normal.

 

I've noticed the shifter move a bit under acceleration. It's not a lot but I've noticed it out of the corner of my eye before.